iMac G3 350mhz slot load memory upgrade

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Level 1

133 points

iMac G3 350mhz slot load memory upgrade

Hi,

I recently obtained an iMac G3 350mhz slot load, and have purchased 2 512mb PC133 chips (from eBay - I know...not the ideal idea!!) to give a max ram upgrade.

However, I simply get the memory error beep on power up with the new memory installed (I tried with just one chip in both slots - same result).

I've put the 64mb chip it came with back in and it works fine, so not a slot or motherboard problem (I hope!).

Have I bought bad memory, or can this iMac not cope with this much memory?

The ebay page is still up if you want to see what I bought (auction id: 110452818222).

I'd appreciate any ideas/thoughts.

Thanks,

Dom

Message was edited by: Dom Caz

Mac Pro 8x2.8ghz; MBP 13" 2.53ghz; Mac Mini 1.5Ghz Intel solo; iPhone 3GS 32gb, Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on Nov 9, 2009 4:02 AM

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Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 10

81,178 points

Nov 9, 2009 8:43 AM in response to Dom Caz

Yes, your iMac takes two 512MB PC100 modules for a max of 1G RAM. Mac-compatible PC133 should clock back to run on the 100mHz bus of the iMac G3.

Basically, the vendor did not provide you with Mac-compatible RAM. I can't access the eBay site from the ref number, but not all PC133 RAM is the same. Many peecees use hi-density RAM; Macs don't like it. Unless an eBay vendor says the RAM has been tested in a Mac, I would look elsewhere. We see WAY to many stories like yours regarding RAM for Macs bought off eBay or other auction sites.

From other posters, I realize that you have a real problem with finding economical RAM in the UK. Getting with a Mac User Group in your area might be beneficial if finding sources of RAM that aren't twice what we pay in the US.

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